Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, faced backlash after fans accused him of using a gay slur during an Instagram Live session as the Grammy-winning rapper addressed her followers about protecting their happiness. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with some criticizing Minaj for staying silent. However, some users argued that Petty said ‘haters’ and not a gay slur. This controversy came just months after Petty was granted permission to travel internationally with Minaj on her tour, despite his legal issues stemming from a sex offense conviction in 1995.
Petty, who has faced legal troubles in the past, had previously received a 120-day house arrest sentence for a probation violation after making threatening remarks in a social media video. He has been on probation for failing to register as a sex offender and was granted permission to travel with Minaj on her European tour to support her, citing the importance of being with their son. The couple got married in 2019, and Petty’s legal history has been a point of contention for some fans. Despite the backlash, Minaj has stood by her husband and shared insights into their relationship dynamic in a December 2023 Vogue profile.
In the Vogue interview, Minaj discussed the comfort and ease of her relationship with Petty, whom she has known since high school. She expressed concerns about being judged for her fame and appearance in relationships, but felt at ease with Petty due to their long history together. Despite her initial beliefs that having a family would shift her focus away from music, Minaj realized that balancing motherhood and her career was a challenge she had to navigate. She also opened up about the anxiety and struggles of parenting, admitting that she didn’t feel confident in her abilities initially but leaned on her history with Petty to navigate through tough times.
Minaj and Petty have kept their son out of the public eye and shared glimpses of their family life on social media, expressing love and pride for their son. The couple faced challenges in the early stages of parenting, navigating through issues with little external help. Minaj reflected on the complexities of parenthood, highlighting the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with raising a child. Despite the challenges, Minaj and Petty have remained a united front, supporting each other through various obstacles. The couple’s journey through parenthood has been a mix of joy, struggles, and growth as they navigate their roles as parents while maintaining their respective careers.
